FAQ

The obvious potential reward is straighter teeth that are less prone to decay and injury - but just as important is the boost to self confidence that a better smile can provide.

Adults now account for 25% of orthodontic patients. Treatment can be successful at later ages, even though bones are no longer growing because the biological process involved in tooth movement is the same in adults as in children.

As you prepare to make decisions about orthodontics, it's very important to be armed with the facts.

Here's a series of questions and answers which will give you an insight into the science.

Q - Why is orthodontics important?
Q - When should my child first see an orthodontist?
Q - Can it be too late for a person to be fitted with braces?
Q- Who says braces are just for kids?
Q - Who needs orthodontics?
Q - What's the right age for Orthodontic Treatment?
Q - What about costs?

Q - Why is orthodontics important?

A - Orthodontics can boost a person's self-image as the teeth, jaws and lips become properly aligned, but an attractive smile is just one of the benefits.
Alleviating or preventing physical health problems is just as important. Without treatment, orthodontic problems may lead to tooth decay, gum disease, bone destruction and chewing and digestive difficulties. A "bad bite" can contribute to speech impairments, tooth loss, chipped teeth and other dental injuries.

Q - When should my child first see an orthodontist?

A - The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child should get an orthodontic screening no later than age seven.
Many orthodontic problems are easier to correct if detected early rather than waiting until jaw growth has slowed.
Early treatment may mean a patient will avoid surgery or other serious corrections later in life.

Q - Can it be too late for a person to be fitted with braces?

A - No, because healthy teeth can be moved at any age. Orthodontics can improve the smile of practically anyone - in fact, orthodontics regularly treat patients in their 40's, 50's and older!

Q - Who says braces are just for kids?

A - Certainly not the estimated 1 million adults in the United States who have chosen orthodontic treatment as the route to better oral health and emotional well being.
Adults are discovering that today's high-tech materials are light years away from the "metal mouth" look they may have been familiar with as teenagers.
Some recent innovations include clear or tooth coloured brackets and the sophisticated engineering of the tooth moving wires which has resulted in less time spent in braces.

Q - Who needs orthodontics?

A - No one can deny the importance of a winning smile. It makes a pleasing appearance, promotes self esteem and is valuable to social and career success.
Creating beautiful smiles is what orthodontics is all about. And today, orthodontics is so convenient and affordable that individuals from childhood through retirement can reap its important benefits.
Orthodontics is important not only for a great smile and improved self confidence, but for better dental health.
Braces fit easily into today's active lifestyles. They're comfortable, easy to keep clean and less visible than in the past.
New techniques and materials can extend the period between appointments, saving time and expense.

Q - What is the right age for orthodontics?

A - The right age can be any age. Early examination allows us to determine when your child's problem should be treated for maximum improvement - in the least time and at the lowest cost.
Certain treatment techniques provide significant benefits for patients between six to 11 years old. Treatment during these growth stages can achieve results not possible once face and jaw bones have finished growing.
Full orthodontic treatment with braces is generally begun after all the permanent teeth are in place, usually at ages 12 or 13.

Q - What about costs?

A - These will vary, of course, depending on the nature of the problem. You may be surprised to discover that orthodontics is less expensive than you thought
We offer various finance plans to help meet individual treatment needs.
0% finance (subject to status) is available over a 24 month period.
Of course, it is important to keep in mind the lifetime value that orthodontics provides.